da betway： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.
da bet7： Sheffield United epitomised the ‘game of two halves’ phrase with a mixed performance against Norwich at Carrow Road on Sunday.
The Blades didn’t come racing out of the blocks to say the least, and found themselves 1-0 down after Alexander Tettey’s goal in the 27th minute, although Chris Wilder managed to get his side to respond in impressive fashion.
Snapshot
After the half-time break, last season’s Championship runners-up looked a different side.
The Blades scored just four minutes into the second-half thanks to Enda Stevens, before the game completely flipped on its head just three minutes later when George Baldock found the back of the net – his excellent swivel and turn, before firing home, was impressive.
From then on, it was a case of managing the game appropriately, and one decision from Wilder helped do that to perfection.
65th minute substitution worked wonders
Wilder’s decision to bring Muhamed Besic onto the field in the 65th minute looked to be a conservative move – as the Bosnian is a defensive midfielder by trade – and it proved to be just that.
The former Everton man – who has rarely been seen in the Premier League this term having managed just two substitute appearances and 34 minutes in total – shone against Daniel Farke’s side to ensure that his teammates took the three points back to Yorkshire with them.
Besic made a key pass and completed one dribble, but it was his industrial side that will have made him the toast of the away dressing room at Carrow Road.
The 27-year-old made four tackles, more than any of his teammates and the joint-most on the pitch alongside Emiliano Buendia, which is especially impressive seeing as Besic played just 25 minutes.
He also made two interceptions and a clearance in what was a hugely effective cameo.
It’s safe to say that Wilder’s 65th minute decision certainly had the desired effect.
In other news, these Sheffield United fans couldn’t help but bemoan this player’s lacking ability in one department against Norwich…